Yao Ming attends NoKor basketball friendly game

A photo taken on October 11, 2018 shows former NBA basketball player Yao Ming (C) greeting North Korean team members during a friendly basketball match between China and North Korea at the Ryugyong Jong Ju Yong Indoor Stadium in Pyongyang. (KIM WON-JIN / AFP)

Former NBA star Yao Ming attended a friendly basketball match between China and North Korea in Pyongyang on Thursday amid warming ties between the neighbours.

The eight-time NBA all-star is visiting the North Korean capital this week as part of a high-level Chinese sports delegation.